Pandemic
On Saturday, March 14th, our local news announced the governor had declared a state of emergency and we were faced with a pandemic. At our ages, it was suggested we “stay at home” and/or “shelter in place.” So began our isolation.
It’s been four months since we assumed our place in the pandemic. Like good citizens, we’ve stayed at home with the exception of driving to our grocery store to pick up our grocery orders. Otherwise, church services, choir practices, committee meetings, doctor’s appointments have been held using Zoom.
Oregon is now a part of the pandemic surge with daily numbers rising more than they did during the previous three months. Why won’t people wear masks?
Needless to say, we’re growing a bit weary of the inability to mix with friends and family. Yet, we understand that what we do will help someone else be safe and healthy. The compassion shown for our neighbors is a good thing, something our world is quickly growing away from. After this pandemic is over, perhaps compassion will have taken a front seat again.
Protests
On May 25th, the national news announced the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN. The saddest part of that news is that George Floyd was murdered by a white police officer using his knee on Floyd’s neck to detain him. The officer’s knee was on Floyd’s neck for a total of eight minutes and 46 seconds, at which time Floyd expired.
It was no surprise when protests started the next day in Minneapolis. Protesters support those seeking justice for George Floyd and the wider #BlackLivesMatter movement. As of today, protests have been ongoing in many cities and towns in all 50 states and five permanently inhabited territories as well as 60 other countries. In my home state of Oregon, the protests have been continuous from May 26th through and including July 14th.
In most areas, the protests have been for the most part peaceful. There have, however, been some fringe groups taking advantage of the larger protests and creating riots that have included some police brutality, fires, looting, and property damages.
Historically, we have witnessed similar demonstrations with respect to the systemic injustice and racism prevalent in our country. My hope is that this time perhaps we’ll get it right and those of us living with white privilege will grasp an understanding of what is needed to change the climate surrounding the issues raised by these our brothers and sisters. Many cities and states are discussing police reforms already.
Problems
Maybe things look somewhat different around here. And they are. You see, this is where the problems entered my life. Something happened with the theme I had been using for my site. The problems couldn’t be resolved. So, I went in search of something new. At every turn, there seemed to be a problem.
I began to think my laptop might be infected with a virus. Likely not COVID-19, but still. After a thorough virus scan by Norton, that was not the case. I kept digging. It felt like an archeologist must feel when on the BIG DIG.
Finally, success was found with this theme, and I went through all the motions to get my preferences and settings re-established. Not as big a crisis as the other two P’s, but a crisis inside my bubble nonetheless.
Lesson
The problem with my computer became a great distraction. There was no allowing in the daily news blurbs on the pandemic nor the situation in downtown Portland every afternoon and on into the morning hours of the next day.
I had a job to get done — my “business” had come crashing down and I had to find the cause and rebuild. Every minute of every day was needed to complete this unforgiving task. This showed me that the focus that I feel I have lost is still there. It must depend on what I’m attempting to shine my focus.
Next up, I need to sort out a way to shine my focus back on my writing.
Does anyone want to join me?
Featured Image Attributed to Sweet Pea Gardens
I remember your choice of a focus word this year, and I thought at the time it was so lovely. The sweet peas were chosen in this strange time be cause of their multi-colored beauty. I love them, but they won’t grow in our shady forest. I enjoy them where I can. I’m glad you enjoyed them. Choosing them was my work around for the ugliness, I suppose.
Idea accepted and is on the burner! The tailbone injury is almost healed, and a trial trip up and down the stairs from our deck will be the true test of my venturing to the writing nook. I’d love to have you join me there, Marian!
It’s 10:30 pm on the east coast, and I’m enjoying your flowers, which remind me that my focus word for this year was beauty. Ah, little did I know the ugliness we’d have to work around. Like Joan, I’ll choose the silver lining every time.
One idea about shining a light on your writing: Venture out to the lovely octagonal writing nook, where you are sure to find focus. I’d love to join you there, Sherrey!
It’s been a tough year. But we were talking at work about some good things that have come about because of the pandemic. I try to look for silver linings in every cloud.
Indeed it has been a tough year, Joan. I think when I realized that redesigning and resetting my preferences were tasks requiring a good bit of focus, it was a silver lining. My focus is there when I need/want it. Perhaps I just have to rethink my writing in different terms since my surgery and depression battle. Thanks for the reminder about silver linings.
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